I think a lot about movement—both physical and political. To me, there is no difference. A political movement must be physical. It needs people to move it, and it needs to move people.
A movement is both a physical action and a collection of people. It needs people to populate it and people to carry it out. It's only effective if people show up, and it's only as strong as those who show up. For a political movement to exist in the world, it needs people to exist in the world. To move. To march. To chant. To bang a drum. To dance. To raise their fists. To protest. To draw. To link arms with elders. To hold a child. To act.
Movement can be uncomfortable. Those in seats of power will tell you to stop moving, be quiet, sit still, be small, move small, move the idealized way they tell you to—the "right way."
Movement is uncomfortable, and that's why we do it. Liberation is uncomfortable because we've never had it. Liberation is the newest of sensations, and that's why our oppressors have conditioned us to fear what is new and different.
I move for Palestine, and I am moved by those who keep showing up for Palestine. But don't stop. Keep moving. Keep showing up. Without you, there is no movement. Palestine cannot wait for the next lifetime. It must be free in this lifetime.
When there is movement, there is momentum. When there is momentum, when there is the weight of enough people, it's unstoppable.
Political movements start as hope, then people bring it into the world.
Free, free Palestine.
To access the Liberation Martial Arts curriculum and contribute to the sustainability of this project, consider upgrading your membership. Find other ways to support me here. – Sam
✊✊✊
(I write daily about martial arts and other topics from a liberatory perspective. If you like my work, upgrade your subscription. You can also support me on Patreon or make a one-time donation on Ko-fi. Find Southpaw at its website. Get the swag on Spring. Also check out Liberation Martial Arts Online.)
Share this post